Governor AbdulRazaq Empowers Kwara Women Through SAPZ Leadership Training Initiative
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration, through the Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, has taken a bold step to empower women by equipping them with leadership and capacity-building skills aimed at enhancing productivity in agriculture and community development.
The impactful training held at the Ilorin Innovation Hub drew women participants from Baruten, Kaiama, Ifelodun, Asa, and Moro local government areas under the theme, “Leadership Academy and Capacity-Building Training for Women.”
Hon. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, the State Commissioner for Livestock Development and Chairperson of the SAPZ Technical Committee, commended the Governor’s foresight in establishing a platform that prioritizes women’s inclusion in agricultural leadership and enterprise. She described the SAPZ initiative as a transformative opportunity for Kwarans, particularly women who are often underrepresented in key decision-making roles despite their significant contribution to the agricultural sector.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Jubril Saba Mama, represented by Mrs. Lawal Ahmad Bilikis, reaffirmed that the SAPZ project is revolutionizing Kwara’s agro-industrial landscape and creating value-added opportunities for rural communities.
Highlighting the state’s inclusive approach, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Saadat Modibo Kawu, praised the initiative as timely and empowering. She encouraged participants to aspire to leadership roles and become agents of societal change.
State Project Coordinator, Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, reiterated the administration’s commitment to elevating agriculture beyond subsistence, noting that the project will attract investors, generate jobs, and ensure food and nutritional security. He emphasized the importance of giving women a voice in agricultural transformation.
Participants were further inspired by resource persons including Bar. Funke Balogun and Hajia Nimat Oluwatoyin Labaika who addressed gender stereotypes, while academics Prof. Dupe Ogunbosoye and Dr. Saadat Yetunde Yusuf provided mentorship strategies to bolster agribusiness skills.
The event, which also hosted students from St. Anthony and Cherubim and Seraphim Secondary Schools, was marked by gratitude from participants who lauded Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration for prioritizing women’s empowerment in agriculture.
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